We would say: Do not do so, because you have confined a general matter to a particular time, and this requires evidence. Not everything that has been prescribed in a general sense may be made prescribed in a particular sense.

Accordingly, we say that the supplication upon completing the Quran in prayer is undoubtedly not prescribed. Although it is reported from Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, that when he completed the Quran he would gather his family and supplicate (1), this was outside the prayer. There is a difference between what takes place outside the prayer and what takes place within it. Thus, we may say that supplicating upon completing the Quran in prayer has no basis, and it should not be done unless evidence from the Sacred Law establishes that it is prescribed in the prayer.

Except When a Calamity Other Than Plague Befalls the Muslims, in Which Case the Imam Performs Qunut in the Obligatory Prayers ..........

His statement, “except when a calamity befalls the Muslims …,” is an exception to his statement, “It is disliked for him to perform qunut in other than Witr.” A calamity is an occurrence among the hardships of time.

His statement, “other than plague”: plague is a well-known, deadly, contagious epidemic. If it occurs in a land, it is not permissible to go to that land, nor is it permissible to leave it in flight from it. This is because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “If you hear that it is in a land, do not enter it; and if it occurs while you are in it, do not leave it fleeing from it.” (2) This plague—may Allah grant us well-being—when it strikes, has destroyed many nations, as was the case